Halifax Exhibition Centre Mixed-Use Development

Halifax Exhibition Centre Mixed-Use Development

Last updated: October 3, 2024

Project Status

Public Engagement Sessions and Online Survey - Now Closed

Thank you to everyone who attended the in-person engagement sessions on September 11 and participated in the survey. We had an amazing turnout at the sessions and received lots of great feedback that will help us better understand the community’s preferences and priorities for the site. We are working to consolidate all the feedback we’ve received into one report. We will share the report on this webpage. Please check back for project updates!

If you have any questions or would like to speak directly to HRM staff, please contact Meaghan Maund at maundm@halifax.ca or 902-233-0726. You're still welcome to share your feedback about the project if you haven't had a chance to do so.

Project Outline

The Halifax Exhibition Centre (HEC) lands located along Prospect Road (Highway 333) in Beechville (see location map below) were identified by Halifax Regional Council as an “Opportunity Site.” The Regional Municipal Planning Strategy (Regional Plan) identifies Opportunity Sites and provides high-level direction for the site to be developed as a mixed-use neighborhood with a range of housing and dwelling unit types. The planning process will consider the appropriate range of housing types and land uses, development density, lands suitable for development to mitigate environmental impacts, and infrastructure upgrades needed to support mixed-use development on the site. Fathom Studios, on behalf of the landowner BANC Group, submitted a proposal for redeveloping the HEC lands. Their current proposal includes:

• approximately 5,867 residential units, including 28 apartment buildings ranging from 6 to 24 storeys, and 20 townhouses and stacked townhouses (146 individual units);
• supporting commercial uses, including the existing gas bar;
• demolishing the existing Halifax Exhibition Centre building and the go-kart track;
• expansion of central water and wastewater services (HEC is already serviced for the existing use – the proposal includes upgrading services to support a mixed-use development); and
• new public roads and parkland.

See the current proposed site plan below. For more details about the proposal, see Landowners Original Submission under the Documents For Review section on the right side of this webpage.

Location Map

Landowner’s Submission

Background

On April 9, 2024, Regional Council initiated a process to consider amendments to the Regional Plan, Regional Subdivision By-law, Planning District 4 (Prospect) Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law, and other municipal planning documents deemed necessary to allow a mixed-use neighbourhood development on the HEC lands.

The property was formerly owned and developed as Exhibition Park by the Province of Nova Scotia to host conventions and events. The current owner acquired the property in 2015. They have since renovated the main building to continue hosting events and built a gas bar with associated convenience store, car wash, and restaurant (Tim Hortons).

The Regional Plan identifies the HEC lands as an Opportunity Site for new housing development in support of housing needs of the municipality. The Regional Plan enables consideration of a mixed-use neighbourhood with a range of housing types, employment opportunities, and services that serve the daily needs of residents through a comprehensive neighbourhood planning process. Policy S-13A of the Regional Plan requires further study of the site to consider a range of housing options that integrate with the character of the surrounding communities and landmarks, including Long Lake Provincial Park, the Western Commons, and the proposed expansion of the Ragged Lake Industrial Park. The planning process for the HEC lands will consider making changes to the planning documents to align potential future development with general neighbourhood goals and objectives.

Comprehensive Neighbourhood Planning Process

The planning process will address items that are needed for a new complete community through a neighbourhood plan for the entire site. This will include new roads, parks, pathways, housing mix, and any other amenities. Staff will draft new policies and regulations to guide the phasing, use, and form of development informed by existing municipal policies and priorities, public consultation, collaboration with internal and external reviewers, and the submission from the landowner, including required studies. The planning process will also consider the adoption of development agreement(s) which will be written concurrently with the comprehensive neighbourhood planning process.

How can I participate in the process and provide feedback?

On September 11, 2024 we held two public engagement sessions. These sessions were very well attended. Thank you to everyone who was able to join! We also invited residents to complete a survey between August 22 and October 2, 2024. Thank you to everyone who contributed. We will be consolidating and sharing all of the feedback we've received into a report that will be posted on this webpage.

Additional engagement opportunities will be available later in the planning process and will include a public hearing before a decision is made by Halifax Regional Council. More details about the Regional Council endorsed public participation program can be found in Attachment A of the Initiation Report. The participation program includes engaging with key community interest groups as well as local residents and property owners.